Page 71 of Tangled Power
“He doesn’t fit here.”
The words hit Luc like a punch to the gut, knocking the breath from his lungs.
To assume this was one thing, to hear kids taunt it was another, but to listen to his mother state it was something else entirely. He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t hear this. Why had Michael made him stay?
Michael’s eyes narrowed, and his lips flattened into a straight line. Maybe he hadn’t anticipated this conversation. Perhaps he regretted Luc being here for it. Michael seemed to choose his words carefully, considering what was appropriate in front of all present.
His mother had no such discernment. “He scares the villagers. And they react poorly. Loch hasn’t been the same since that child died! Part of me knows it’s not his fault, but he also does nothing to stop it. It’s like he enjoys their fear.”
Luc froze. He knew that using his power made others go away. Lately, when he was in a situation where his control was fraying, he let his magic scare away the bullies. He didn’t realize his mother had noticed. But this way, he didn’t lose control… No one actually got hurt, not like with… He still couldn’t think about the hole without guilt swallowing him.
“I don’t think being here is good for him,” she said.
“Good for him or for you?” Michael asked harshly.
His magic squirmed. He wanted to defend his mother, say that of course it wasn’t good for her if he was gone. That no matter what he did, she’d always have a place for him here. Her words cut off his train of thought?—
“Both!” Her voice rose. Luc could see her shoulders sag after the word came out.
Michael looked at the ceiling as he let out a long breath. “Fine. He can’t come to Compass Lake, but we can start him at the Suden military academy in Sandrin. It’s a few years earlier than I intended, but at least they’ll want him there.” Michael choked on the last thought as if he hadn’t intended to say it aloud. His gaze darted to where Luc hid.
Rebecca’s gaze followed, finally recognizing the shock of black hair barely visible behind the couch. Her hand covered her mouth, and she fled the room.
The memory ended,and Luc opened his eyes. He was staring into Rose’s. She waited for his acknowledgment and then wrapped her arms around him. He looked over her shoulder. She had made quite a bit of progress on the sword now cooling beside the fire.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Rose couldn’t decide if she was wildly excited that she’d been able to dive back into Luc’s magic without issue or if she was heartbroken on his behalf over what she’d seen. She understood power like his didn’t make childhood easy, but she thought, from the way he was with Aaron, that his family had been supportive throughout. The scene she’d seen last night told another story. Maybe his mother thought she was supporting him in the only way she knew how—by getting him away. Or perhaps she was overwhelmed by his power. No wonder Luc’s expression had been so complicated when he first told her about his mother’s passing.
“It’s okay, Rose.” Luc rode beside her. He must have been watching her thoughts swirl for a while before interrupting.
She looked at him. “I was just trying to see things from her perspective.” Rose shrugged.
Luc’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m not sure I was expecting that.”
Rose smiled. He probably expected her to be boiling with rage. “I may still land on anger. Please don’t commit me to an emotion just yet,” she replied.
“I think I expressed my opinions on the matter yesterday. It’s never just one thing.”
Rose reached out her hand for his. “I am sorry you had to leave home so young.”
He squeezed her hand, letting it fall quickly since they were both on horseback. “I think it was right for me. I’m unsure about her reasons, but the fae were more accepting of me at the military academy. I’m sure it was because they saw my power as an asset, but…it was still a nice change.”
The Suden there would have started with a healthier amount of fear and respect for Luc. She could see how that would be preferable to kids who grew up with him and were used to getting away with bullying him. Not sure there was a correct answer, she set the thoughts aside. “I’m happy with the progress we made on your weapon yesterday,” she said, changing topics. “I think I only need one more session.”
Luc nodded. “Are you...” He hesitated. “Are you ready to be back at Lake of the Gods?”
Arie landed on Rose’s shoulder speaking to both her and Luc. “I’d like to know that, too. About both of you.”
Rose gave Arie a sidelong glance. “I’m fine. It’s Luc we should worry about.” She glared at the bird. “If you would prove the power share goes both ways ahead of time, maybe we would be more prepared.”
“Don’t get mad at me because you’re scared for your”—he waved his wing at Luc, batting Rose’s face in the process—“whatever he is. Your connection has grown stronger in the short time I’ve been gone.”Arie noted.
Rose agreed, but how could Arie know that simply by looking at them? “What does that mean?” she asked.
“Have you even asked Carter yet?” Luc cut off Rose’s line of questioning. She didn’t miss the suspicious look Arie gave to Luc.
Arie flew over to Carter’s shoulder, effectively cutting off Rose and Luc from his conversation.
